Charnock Richard Football Club 19 · the welcome to our visitors, who are visiting Charnock for their first time, and hope they enjoy their stay and have a safe return home after

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2019-20 £2.00

Charnock RichardFootball Club 19

V RYLANDSNORTH WEST COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUEPREMIER DIVISIONSATURDAY 11TH JANUARY,3.00PM

Chorley Alliance League: 1947-48, 1956-57 | Gillett Cup: 1956-57, 1959-60, 1963-64 | Guildhall Cup: 1957-58, 1968-69, 1992-93 | Preston & District League: 1960-61, 1966-67, 1968-69, 1988-89 | Chorley Amateur Cup: 1960-61, 1961-62, 1964-65 | Hunt Cup: 1969-70 | Lancashire Amateur Shield: 1967-68, 2001-02, 2006-07, 2010-11, 2011-12 | West Lancashire League Division One: 1997-98 | West Lancashire League Premier Division: 2002-03, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 | Richardson Cup: 2001-02, 2003-04, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 | Goldline Trophy: 2000-01, 2005-06 | West Lancashire League Reserve Division Two: 1995-96 | West Lancashire League Reserve Division One: 1996-97, 1997-98, 2013-14

All editorial in this programme is copyright of Charnock Richard Football Club and may not be reproduced. The views of the contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the club.

Information correct at the time of going to press.

ISSUE 19EDITORIAL...

CHARNOCK RICHARDFOOTBALL CLUB Unincorporated Association A Charter Standard Club Mossie Park, Charter Lane, Charnock Richard, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 5LZ T: 01257 794288

CLUB OFFICIALSChairman: Shaun TootellVice Chairman: Geoff HaslamSecretary: Dave RowlandAssistant Secretary: Graham RandleTreasurer: Steve MawdesleyCommercial Manager: TBCClub Photographer: Alan WalkerWebsite Co-ordinator: Shaun TootellSocial Media Coordinator: Adam DonnellanGroundsman: Pleasant View GMGround Supervisor: Harold HeatonKit Man: Jim BibbyCommittee: Steve Porter, Dave Smith,Dave Dixon, Lewis Spensley, Brian Lowe, Ian Livesey, Alan Baron.1st Team Manager: Ryan Donnellan1st Team Assistant Manager: Dave Haslam1st Team Coach: Danny Nolan.Goalkeeping Coach: Gareth JonesFirst Team Assistant/Analyst: Lewis Spensley Team Physio: Kate SmithReserve Team Manager: Ian MountainReserve Assistant Manager: Paul CharnleyReserve Team Coaches: Tom Charnley, Paul Billington

PROGRAMMEProgramme Co-ordinator: Ian LiveseyContributors: Keith Reader, David Rowland, Shaun Tootell, Ian Mountain, Dave Smith, Gareth Jones, Ryan Donnellan.Design & Print: Andy Calvert www.matchdaycreative.co.uk

G ood afternoon and welcome back to Mossie Park for

today’s game against Rylands. I’d like to extend the welcome to our visitors, who are visiting Charnock for their first time, and hope they enjoy their stay and have a safe return home after.

The win against Irlam last weekend saw us consolidate 2nd position, but we’ve now slipped to 3rd due to Bootle’s midweek win. Our visitors have, like us, won 3 of their last 6 games. Today won’t be an easy challenge, especially after an entertaining 3-2 scoreline on the opening day of the season.

I was somewhat disappointed not to see Jordan Darr win December’s player of the month from the league. His contribution last month was nothing short of brilliant, with four man of the match performances and seven goals in his 6 games. Incidentally, congratulations to the player who won, Kane Drummond, who is lining up for today’s visitors. Now isn’t that a pip, as our secretary would say!

Enjoy the game.

Ian Livesey, Programme Co-ordinator

03THE OFFICIAL CHARNOCK RICHARD FOOTBALL CLUB PROGRAMME

04 THE OFFICIAL CHARNOCK RICHARD FOOTBALL CLUB PROGRAMME

1ST TEAM PLAYER STATS SEASON 2019-20

League Cups Total Overall App Sub Goal App Sub Goal App Sub Goal App Sub GoalAinscough R 1 1 1 Ascroft B 21 8 29 29 Bennett J 10 6 2 1 3 11 9 2 36 37 6Bibby S 22 2 8 1 1 30 1 3 195 52 17Darr J 17 1 13 2 2 1 19 3 14 19 3 14Dashti D 400 156 26Davision M 17 1 2 6 1 23 2 2 81 13 22Eastwood J 3 1 4 6 Fairhurst N 16 2 2 8 24 2 2 152 4 18Green O 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 Griffith A 13 4 4 3 1 17 7 17 11 1Grimshaw C 22 19 9 6 31 25 409 22 453Haydock L 19 4 6 8 1 27 5 6 27 5 6Kay J 2 3 3 1 1 5 4 1 5 4 1Lindley N 2 2 3 McNally L 1 1 2 3 Morris O 2 2 2 2 3 4 Nickeas N 4 1 4 1 4 1O'Farrell R 16 3 1 5 2 21 5 1 168 43 8Oxley O 10 11 3 3 4 1 13 15 4 27 41 12Pilgrim L 1 1 4 Regan D 12 4 1 8 2 20 4 3 43 4 5Schofield R 2 2 3 5 2 96 13 2Turner O 6 2 4 10 2 22 7 Walker J 17 2 1 5 3 22 5 1 90 9 7Woods M 14 4 4 5 3 1 19 7 5 147 28 24Young A 18 1 1 7 25 1 1 157 5 24

Premier Division Table P W D L F A GD Pts1 1874 Northwich 21 17 2 2 58 19 39 532 Bootle 21 15 2 4 55 30 25 473 Charnock Richard * 24 15 2 7 58 36 22 444 Longridge Town 18 14 0 4 47 29 18 425 Rylands 20 12 2 6 40 24 16 386 Ashton Athletic 21 10 4 7 44 28 16 347 Irlam 19 10 4 5 39 26 13 348 Avro 23 10 2 11 43 44 -1 329 Whitchurch Alport 20 8 5 7 33 32 1 2910 Winsford United 21 9 0 12 43 45 -2 2711 Runcorn Town 20 7 6 7 30 32 -2 2712 Squires Gate 23 8 3 12 40 58 -18 2713 Northwich Victoria 20 7 5 8 41 31 10 2614 Barnoldswick Town 21 7 3 11 36 48 -12 2415 Congleton Town 21 6 5 10 39 41 -2 2316 Skelmersdale United 21 5 5 11 34 40 -6 2017 Hanley Town 21 5 5 11 30 46 -16 2018 Padiham 22 5 4 13 23 42 -19 1919 Burscough 22 4 3 15 18 55 -37 1520 Litherland REMYCA 21 2 6 13 13 58 -45 12

F ollowing a very good win and performance away at Whitchurch

Alport, it was important to keep momentum and get back on a winning run.

Last Saturday we welcomed Irlam, a side that is more than capable of causing teams problems as we know. Once again we fully dominated the game and Irlam didn’t really offer much threat. We had plenty of chances but Irlam keeper was the difference between it being 2-0 and 6-0.

My squad is slowly coming up to full strength so there is a lot of competition for places.

Aaron Griffith is back in the squad today after getting injured in the warm up at Whitchurch. Unfortunately Oliver Turner is sidelined again with a head injury sustained in the game against Irlam. Apart from that it’s a strong squad today.

Keep supporting the lads. The support has been fantastic!

Ryan Donnellan


THE MANAGER RYAN DONNELLAN

CHARNOCK RICHARD F.C. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

Get your perfect half time Pie.

Available Nationwide Visit www.bowenpies.co.uk

Use the discount code CRFC10 for 10% off.

CHARNOCK RICHARD F.C. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

G ood afternoon and welcome to Mossie Park for today’s NWCFL Premier Division fixture. We

welcome the players, club officials and supporters of today’s opponents Rylands. We hope that you all have an enjoyable stay at our club and have a safe journey back home to Merseyside.

We are almost two thirds of the way into our season with just fourteen league games left to play, which is a comfortable one game per week until the season ends in late April. We have typically played 3 or 4 games more than the majority of the teams in the top half of the league but we are still managing to hold our position in the top three in the league which is very encouraging.

We put in another excellent performance against Irlam here at Mossie Park last Saturday and fully deserved the three points in a very one-sided game. The 2-0 score line didn’t really reflect our dominance throughout the game and it could easily have been five or six had it not been for a superb performance from the Irlam keeper. After the game, there were a few harsh words said in the away dressing room and that possibly contributed to none of the Irlam players and officials accepting our post-match hospitality in the clubhouse after the game. It is always very disappointing for the home club on the rare occasions when this does happen and Irlam were very apologetic when we challenged them to explain their actions the following day.

Getting back to today’s game, we should hopefully be near full strength with players back from suspension, although there maybe a few players still carrying knocks from the festive period. Rylands were our first league opponents this season and it turned out to be a disappointing start to our season with a 3-2 loss at the Rylands Recreation Club. As is typical from a newly promoted club, Rylands started the season very

strongly and to their credit have stayed in and around the top six in the league throughout the season so far. Despite a slight dip in form over the festive period, they will be encouraged with a recent midweek win at Irlam, so we should expect yet another tough game here today.

Following a break of more than a month in their fixtures, the Reserves should hopefully get their season back underway again today as they travel up the A6 to Galgate near Lancaster. Unlike last year when our Reserve team had only a handful of fixtures left to play by mid January, this season has been the total opposite with many pitches in the West Lancashire League suffering in December with waterlogged pitches. As I write this article, the Reserves still have thirteen fixtures to play to the end of the season (just one fewer than the first team).

Next week we travel to 1874 Northwich who are looking very strong favourites for promotion following six league wins on the bounce. I am sure that our lads will be looking to avenge the 5-0 hammering which we received from them here at Mossie Park in mid August, so hopefully we can take a strong away following down to Cheshire next week and get fully behind the lads as they look to cause an upset against a team in top form.

Off the field, things are relatively quiet at this time of the season, but we will soon be looking for support for our next two fund raising events to be held here at the club. On Saturday 15th February we will be holding another social evening in the clubhouse, which will then be followed by the Annual Sportsman’s Dinner on Friday 6th March. Both events will be publicised on Social Media very shortly and tickets will be available from Alan Baron.

That’s all from me for now but please enjoy today’s match and as always, get fully behind the lads with your fantastic support.

Shaun Tootell


FROM THE CHAIRMAN SHAUN TOOTELL

THE BOARDROOM SHAUN TOOTELL

Good afternoon and welcome to Mossie Park for thisthird home league game of the season for CharnockRichard FC in the Hallmark Security League. On behalfof everyone here at Charnock Richard, I would like towelcome the management, players and committeefrom St Helens Town. We hope you all have a veryenjoyable day at our club and have a safe journeyback home.

Our first ever home league game two weeks ago againstAlsager Town was a bit of a wake-up call for us all andshowed everyone that we can expect to face some verydifficult opponents in this league. It is however veryencouraging that as I write this article, the team has sincebounced back with two excellent away wins at Silsden andWhitchurch Alport. We were advised by the league thatone of the management committee would be present at ourfirst home game to offer advice and support on the day andit was the league Ground Grading Chairman GeoffWilkinson who visited us on the day. Geoff is very wellknown to us all here at Charnock and has been offering theclub valuable advice on ground grading matters over anumber of years. It is fair to say that Geoff’s advice hashelped to save the club a lot of money which could havebeen spent unwisely as we developed the Mossie Parkfacility.

On the day, Geoff took the opportunity to update us on ourcurrent Ground Grading status. For those who are notfamiliar with the grading standards, grounds must initiallymeet the FA Grading Standard H to gain promotion into theNorth West Counties League. Following admission into theleague, all clubs must then meet Grading Standard G bythe 31st March in the following year (in our case 31stMarch 2017). The difference between Grade G and H isvery minimal - Grade H requires a minimum coveredspectator accommodation of 50, whereas Grade Grequires a minimum covered spectator accommodation of100 (of which 50 must be seated and located in onestand). Both Grading Standards state ‘All seating mustafford a good view of the pitch’ and whilst our currentseated stand holds just over 100 seats, only the higher 50seats meet this criteria due to the potential for standingspectators along the touchlines blocking the views from thelower seats. It is fair to say that we have visited othergrounds recently and the same argument could be raisedas to whether some ground level seating at other venuesafford a good view of the pitch but we will leave that forothers to debate.

At the end of the day we have a responsibility to complywith the Ground Grading Regulations, so we have apredicament which must be resolved within the next sixmonths. One option would be to raise the height of thecurrent stand to ensure all that all 100 plus seats afford agood view of the pitch - not an easy option but notimpossible. A second option would be to build a coveredstanding area to accommodate 50 or 100 spectators sothat we can meet the Grade G requirements. Theseissues will be discussed at the next committee meetingwhich will be held in a few days’ time and hopefully wewill agree our preferred strategy going forward. Oneissue we mustn’t forget is that should we be the fortunateposition to challenge for promotion to the PremierDivision next season, then the ground must the meet therequirements of Grade F which will almost certainlyrequire us to raise the height of the stand to allow all 100plus seats to give a good view of the pitch.

On a final note I would like to thank many of you whoattended our recent Reserve league game at home toWorkington Reserves. Not only did we get an excellentattendance on a Monday evening but it is fair to say thatit was a superb game of football played by two excellentyoung sides who were both a credit to the game. I lostcount of how many spectators came up to me after thematch to say that they had thoroughly enjoyed the game.

That’s enough from me for the time being, so pleaseenjoy your day and hopefully we can look forward toseeing you again at Mossie Park as the seasonprogresses.

Shaun TootellChairman

06

StHelensTown_27-08-16_Layout 1 25/08/2016 10:24 Page 6

W elcome to Mossie Park for what is our second home game in 2020. We would like to extend a warm Charnock

welcome to our guests from Warrington, Rylands, who are visiting us for the very first time. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome the players, club officials and supporters of the Gorsey Lane club and hope that you will enjoy your stay with us and have a safe and trouble-free journey home after the game. We would also like to welcome our three match officials this afternoon, referee Matthew Young and his two able assistants Daniel Moroney & Richard Goodwin. Gentlemen you are most welcome.

We opened the 2019-20 campaign at Gorsey Lane back on the 3rd August with Rylands coming out on top following a 3-2 victory. Despite a modest 2017-18 season in which Rylands finished in 11th spot in the Premier Division of the Cheshire League, the club boldly took advantage of the restructuring of the North West Counties League during the summer of 2018 and gained progression into the newly constituted Division 1 South. The decision to move up from the Step-7 league into Step-6 was fully justified when the club won the Division 1 South title and promotion to the top tier of the North West Counties League in their first season in the competition. The Gorsey Lane outfit finished 7 points clear of their nearest rivals Vauxhall Motors; scoring an impressive 111 goals out of the 38 games played. This term they have remained in the top half of the Premier Division throughout the first half of the season. There is no doubt that they will prove to bea difficult side to overcome this afternoon and our boys will have to be at their very best if we are to gain three points from today’s game. We congratulate Rylands striker Kane Drummond on winning the North West Counties League Premier Division December Player of the Month award.

Last weekend the lads treated us to a fine display and a well-deserved 2-0 win over Irlam, which saw Charnock complete the double over ‘The Blues’ this term following our 4-2 success at Silver Street back on the 10th September. Last Saturday’s encounter was a fine game of football well controlled by former top class Italian ’Serie A’ referee, Claudio Gavillucci. Irlam goalkeeper, Lee White, was in exceptional form on the day and if it hadn’t been for some fine saves

by him, the margin of our success would have been a whole lot wider.

After a break of several weeks from competitive action our reserve side resume their West Lancashire League Division 2 programme at Galgate this afternoon. Just a reminder to say that the M6 motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 32 Fulwood and junction 33 Galgate this weekend and also for the following two weekends, which will result in delays in both directions. Therefore as a result, the A6 will be especially busy and it will be advisable that extra travel time should be considered.

Last weekend the reserve team management arranged a friendly game against Walshaw Sports of the Manchester League; the game taking place at Bishop Rawstorne School in Croston. Despite the 1-2 defeat, apparently the team acquitted themselves well. Next weekend on Saturday the 18th January the reserves are at home to Cumbrians, Furness Cavaliers, in Division 2 of the West Lancashire League. Please note that the kick-off times for Saturday fixtures for the West Lancashire League reverts to 3.00pm from the 8th February.

Next Saturday the first team are on their travels and the fixture at Barnton’s Townfield Ground against league leaders 1874 Northwich is sure to test our boys to the full. Indeed, games don’t come much harder than this one with the Cheshire side looking favourites for the Premier Division title and promotion to the Northern Premier League as we approach the run-in. They gave us a footballing lesson back in mid-August when they came to Mossie Park and thumped us 5-0. However, there is no doubt that the Charnock team will be well up for this one. We hope that as many of you as possible can travel over to Barnton and give the lads your support.

Support for the team this season has been tremendous, particularly when we have been on our travels and the lads really do appreciate the backing they receive, especially in the away games. It does make a difference. Thank you one and all.

Also, a big thanks for coming to Mossie Park this afternoon and for purchasing today’s programme. We hope that you will find it interesting. Enjoy the football.

Dave Rowland, Secretary


SECRETARY'S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

SECRETARY’S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

Welcome to Mossie Park for this afternoon’s DivisionOne game against Sandbach United who are visitingus for the very first time and a warm Charnock welcome to all who have travelled up from deepestCheshire to be with us today. We hope that you willenjoy your stay and have a safe and trouble-free journey home after the game. The East Cheshire sideare a friendly and welcoming club as we found outwhen visiting them on that ill-fated fog-bound afternoon at the end of November. It is hoped that wecan return their excellent hospitality today.

I first met United’s secretary, John Clayton, and a coupleof their committee, at the Imperial Hotel on the NorthPromenade in Blackpool when attending the North WestCounties League AGM back on the 11th June. Applicantclubs were asked to remain outside of the meeting untilbeing summoned by League Chairman Paul Lawler whenthe representatives from each of the six applicants werecalled upon to give an introductory speech to the assembled throng before being voted in by the memberclubs. As we waited nervously in an adjacent room, SteveMawdesley and I got into conversation with the Sandbachcontingent and quickly found them to be a very sociablegroup. We got on with them immediately and it was andenjoyable exchange. That day we made our first friends inthe North West Counties League and long may it continue.

Sandbach United are one of the six newcomers to theNorth West Counties League this season and spent theprevious campaign at Step 7 in the Cheshire Leaguewhere they finished in 4th spot in the Premier Division.Like most of the newly promoted clubs they have made agood impression in their first season in the competitionand we wish them well. Today is of course our last homegame of the season not withstanding any play-off gamethat we may be involved in. To say that it has been a special one would be an understatement. We have enjoyed some wonderful football, been to many differentvenues for the first time, met some really great people andmade many new friends. When we left our comfort zone inthe West Lancashire League, we did so because the clubhad grown and developed to a point where new challenges and new horizons had become a necessity.

A new direction was needed if the club was to grow. Remaining stagnant was not an option. We have hadproblems to contend with. Finding funding for essentialground development and finding an appropriate level forour reserve side was only a couple of examples. The immediate aim was to consolidate at Step 6 level in theNational League System and to be in a position to sustain this in the long term. The players of our threesenior teams have had a fine season and once again thishas been due to the management skills and dedication ofthe management teams of all three. On the administration side, we have been joined by David Smithand Brian Lowe who have very kindly agreed to give oftheir precious time and for this we are very grateful.

For me, this is my fifth season as secretary and I canhonestly say, hand on heart, that the 2016-17 campaignis one of the best that I have enjoyed in football. At timesit has been hard graft and there are many individualswho have put in a good deal of that this term, literally. It isthe combined efforts of you all that make this, such aspecial football club and such a wonderful place to be.Of course, we do not know just how things will pan out asafter today. Indeed, we have three very difficult awaygames to negotiate. Whether we are in the play-offs ornot is anybody’s guess but it is a sign of the success thatwe have enjoyed, when we are still talking about wherewe will finish amongst the top group at this stage of affairs. Whatever occurs, well done one and all.

Dave Rowland | Club Secretary

“WE HAVE ENJOYED SOME WONDERFUL FOOTBALL, BEEN TO MANYDIFFERENT VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME, MET SOME REALLY GREAT

PEOPLE AND MADE MANY NEW FRIENDS.”

07

SandbachUnitedl_17-04-17_Layout 1 10/04/2017 07:38 Page 7

Rylands Recreation Club were formed as a local works (wire manufacturer) team in 1911. In their early days they played

in the Liverpool County Combination before joining the Warrington & District League where they enjoyed considerable success. Establishing themselves throughout the 1950’s they won successive Premier Division Championships from 1955 to 1959. Added to the league in 1958 was Warrington Districts’ prestigious Guardian Cup and to complete a hat-trick of trophies the club also lifted the Liverpool Junior Cup.

Steady progress throughout the 60’s prompted the club to look for new mountains to climb and in 1969 the club joined a relatively new league, The Mid-Cheshire League. The step up in standard saw a barren trophy cabinet for a number of years, but in 1979 they won their first trophy by defeating Barnton in the League Cup final, which led to a successful period at the club. Rylands won the Mid-Cheshire League championship in 1981 and were again champions in 1984 when Joe Rudge’s side lost only once all season. 1983/84 was also the season that Rylands thought they were on their way to Wembley when they entered the last 32 of the FA Vase with wins over Blackpool Mechanics, Maghull, Atherton LR and Rainworth MV. But it was against the latter that saw an appeal against the length of the pitch and when it was found to be just over a yard short, a replay was ordered which Rainworth won 1-0.

A barren run of years, a time when the club resigned the Reserves from the Mid-Cheshire League, was ended when a newly formed youth team lifted the Warrington & District Youth Cup with an extra time win over local rivals Warrington Town. This provided the springboard for senior honours in 1993. The Reserves were reinstated and went on to win the Division Two League Cup with an extra time win over Knutsford. Prior to the start of the 1996/97 season the club formed a link with a local junior club – Beechfield – and these youth sides continued to bring trophies in to the club. Warrington & District Youth Cup in 1997, Wigan & District League Runners-up in 1998 and in 1999 both the Warrington & District League and Cup. These young players

rejuvenated the club and in 1999-00 the first team reached the Mid-Cheshire League Cup Final only to lose out to Knutsford in a penalty shoot-out after being reduced to nine men with twenty minutes of extra time left. Season 2001/02 would see a surprise end to the campaign. An undefeated run of nine games saw the first team snatch runners-up spot on goal difference.

In 2003, Rylands again reached a Mid-Cheshire Cup final – The Presidents Cup – but lost out to Styal. The club then fell on hard times and in 2008 amalgamated with Crosfields to form a new club, Crosfields / Rylands FC. Under the new name both the first and reserve teams reached Mid-Cheshire League Cup Finals, unfortunately losing in both and their anguish would continue when the firsts lost out to Woodley in 2010 and the reserves to Pilkington the season after.

Prior to the start of the 2012/13 season, the club resumed the name of Rylands FC with the backing of a new sponsor, Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group – led by former Rylands player Paul Stretford. The first team went on to win the Warrington Guardian Cup in 2015, whilst also coming Mid-Cheshire League Cup runners up in 2013, 2014 and 2018. Competent performance on-the-pitch was supported with year-on-year investment off-the-pitch that saw a complete revamp of the football pitch at Rylands Recreation Club, leading to promotion to the new North West Counties Division One South for the 2018/19 season – the first season in its 107-year history that the club has competed at Step 6 of the football pyramid. That season was a resounding success on and off the pitch. The team won the first division south division at the first time of asking, by a clear margin, and also made it a double success by lifting the division one champion of champion’s trophy, beating division 1 north champions, Longridge FC 3-0 at AFC Darwen in May 2019. They also reached the semi-finals of the Liverpool FA senior cup that season, narrowly defeated by Southport 3-1 in front of over 200 people watching the game. Off the pitch the ground has undergone further improvements with the addition of floodlights, again another first for the club, and hosted evening matches under the lights for the first time alongside considerable improvements to the ground facilities including a new covered stand.


IN OPPOSITION RYLANDS

I rlam must have travelled home wondering how they managed to lose by only two goals as Charnock

dominated this game. The Villagers scored from the penalty spot but failed to convert several chances in the first half and there were at least six great opportunities in the second half but some fine saves from the visiting keeper, the woodwork and lack of accuracy restricted the final score. Another fine individual goal from Jordan Darr with half an hour left clinched the game for Charnock.

With all three defenders missing, Bibby and O’Farrell suspended and Griffith injured, Charnock had to field a different back three. Young returning from suspension was alongside Walker and in came Turner. These were the only changes from the starting eleven that had a good win at Whitchurch the previous week. Haydock was back on the bench as was Davison having missed the previous four games through injury. Oxley and Lindley made up the other two substitutes.

It was a mainly overcast afternoon but with little rain in the previous days the pitch was in excellent condition. Charnock won the toss and decided to kick towards the Mawdesley Planation end so Irlam kicked off.

Irlam made the better start with Southworth bringing a diving save out of Ascroft in the second minute. The visitors were showing plenty of early enthusiasm and once again Southworth hit another shot on target but it was an easy save for the home keeper. Charnock were slow to put their game together but they won a penalty after only 11

minutes from a rash challenge by the goalkeeper. Nickeas looked favourite to reach a cross from right but White left his goal and caught Nathan as he knocked the ball past him. GRIMSHAW planted the resulting penalty just inside the post. Darr made a great run cutting in along the bye-line from the left and when he cut the ball back Doyle somehow managed to knock the ball over his own cross bar. The resulting corner should have seen Charnock two goals to the good but Walker put a good chance high over the bar. A right wing corner for the team in green on 22 minutes resulted in Young hitting the bar and Fairhurst hit the rebound just wide from the edge of the penalty area. On 29 minutes Turner was involved in a challenge that saw him leave the field with a facial injury and Lindley came on to replace him. Charnock continued to dominate the game but Irlam are a top side and they defended well and the Villagers struggled to create chances The time lost in treating Turner saw four minutes of added time in the first half and in this period Regan had a shot blocked before Nickeas brought a smart save out of White. Then Darr was almost played in before the half time whistle was blown.

The visitors obviously took heart from only being one goal down at the interval and as expected came out full of enthusiasm for the second half but it was Charnock who created the early chances. A left wing corner saw White make an excellent save to a Darr effort. Then the speedy Charnock striker hit another shot over the bar. Irlam adopted a much more direct approach in the second half and Nicholas volleyed straight at Ascroft after 50 minutes. But then there was another fine save from White two minutes later, Darr met a Regan cross from the right with a powerful diving header but the keeper was down to turn his effort around the post. When the visitors’


SATURDAY 4TH JANUARY 2020 CHARNOCK RICHARD 2 IRLAM 0

TEAMS: Charnock Richard: Ascroft, Turner Lindley 33), Walker, Bennett (Haydock 72), Young, Woods, Regan (Oxley 84), Fairhurst, Grimshaw, Darr, Nickeas.

Irlam: White, Bolton, Allan-Meredith, Doyle, Charles (Hill 44), Cassell, Malumo, Eyres (Mar-tin 67), Icley, Nicholas, Southworth (McCarty 80).

Malumo cut the ball back from the bye-line there was no support from his colleagues. Ascroft then went down to save from Nicholas as Irlam were at least having shots on target in this half. On 55 minutes Grimshaw got free but his shot brought another fine save out of the impressive visiting shot-stopper.

With the clock close to the hour mark JORDAN DARR who has hit seven goals in the last six matches once again found the net; a long ball put him clear and he eluded White to roll the ball over the line. Nickeas then worked his way into the area but he only won a corner. On 72 minutes it was White again saving on the line as it was rapidly becoming evident that it was not going to be Charnock’s day for scoring goals. Charnock immediately replaced Jack Bennett with Lewis Haydock. The 76th minute saw the visitor’s goal again lead a charmed life, a Darr shot was blocked but the ball rebounded to Grimshaw but his shot hit the bar and bounced over. Grimshaw then brought another fine save out of White before Darr put another effort into the side netting. On 84 minutes Oxley replaced Regan and on 85 minutes a Haydock free kick from the right was headed over the bar by Young. With three minutes added time the game petered out with Charnock collecting a well-deserved three points that maintained their second place position in the table.

A comment about today’s referee, Mr Claudio Gavillucci, who comes from Italy; he was a referee in Serie A until the end of the 2017/8 season. He was removed from the top list of referees because he was last in the performance ranking but he found fame for suspending the Sampdoria-Napoli match on 13th May 2018 for three minutes following territorial discrimination chants directed against the Neapolitans. It is not often that we have officials of this status in charge of matches at this level.


▪ High pressure

water jetting

▪ CCTV surveys

M: 07973 426890 L: 01257 792692 / 792536

Woodlands 31 Preston Road Coppull PR7 5HS

▪ Emergency call out

▪ Drain relining and

excavations



PLAYER SPONSORS SEASON 2019-20

Ryan DonnellanSponsored by:Kool Planet Ltd

Dave HaslamSponsored by:

Paul Derbyshire

Kate SmithSponsored by:

Janet Smith

Gareth Jones Sponsored by:

Available

Lewis SpensleySponsored by:

Home Truths Estate & Lettings Agency

Danny NolanSponsored by:

Available

James WalkerSponsored by:

Doug Partington

Spencer BibbySponsored by:

Gary Young

Ross O’FarrellSponsored by:Alan Unsworth

Oliver TurnerSponsored by:

Dave Arrowsmith

Ash YoungSponsored by:Paul Makinson

Jack BennettSponsored by:

SCS Engineering Ltd (Hindley)

Mark WoodsSponsored by:

Graham Pennington

Nathan FairhurstSponsored by:

Alan Baron

Lewis HaydockSponsored by:Charter House

Kennels

Aaron GriffithSponsored by:

Fran Swarbrick

Danny ReganSponsored by:

Mercer and Douglas

Owen MorrisSponsored by:

SDT Design Services Ltd

Matt DavisonSponsored by:

Alan Walker Photography

Carl GrimshawSponsored by:

Smithills Open Farm (Bolton)

Oliver OxleySponsored by:

PV Storage

Jordan DarrSponsored by:

Adam Donnellan

Ben AscroftSponsored by:

Mount Auto Repairs (Wigan) &Dave Arrowsmith

If you would like to sponsor a player, please get in touch with either Dave Smith or Shaun Tootell, or email [email protected]

FO

OT B A L L L E A G

UE

TH

E N

O

R T H W E S T C O

UN

TI E

S

nwcfl.comFor the latest League & Club News & Info, Fixtures, Results, Cup Info, Stats & Archives

Follow us on social media Search ‘North West Counties League’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube

Official Website of The North West Counties Football League

oFFICIAL GoALKEEPING PARTNER oF THE NoRTH WEST CouNTIES FooTBALL LEAGuE.prouD SpoNSor oF THE rEuSCH CHAMpIoNS Cup, GoALKEEpEr oF THE MoNTH AND GoALKEEpEr oF THE YEAr AWArDS

www.reusch.comwww.facebook.com/ReuschUK

www.twitter.com/ReuschUK

For more information, visit

18

9 Chapel Street, Coppull,Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 5AU

Tel: 01257 470191

Andrew FarleyBUILDERS & JOINERS

EXTENSIONS, GARAGES, ALL BUILDING

GRANT WORK & PROPERTY REPAIRS

LitherlandREMYCA_07-01-17_Layout 1 05/01/2017 00:37 Page 18


FIXTURES & RESULTS 2019/20 SEASON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17A 3 Rylands a 2-3 131 Ascroft Griffith Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Schofield (2) Kay (10) Ainscough 6 Barnoldswick Town h 2-1 164 Ascroft Bibby Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Kay (10) Griffith Ainscough Schofield 10 Lower Breck FAC EPR h 2-1 185 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Woods O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay 1 Regan Bennett (4) Oxley (10) Morris Walker (6) 17 1874 Northwich h 0-5 216 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Bennett O'Farrell Haydock Davison Morris Grimshaw Kay Regan Ainscough (4) Oxley (10) Walker Schofield (8) 21 Longridge Town a 2-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Schofield Morris Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Kay Regan O'Farrell (5) Oxley (6) McNally 24 Longridge Town FAC PR h 1-1 234 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw1 Oxley Davison Morris Kay( ) McNally Young 26 Avro h 1-3 154 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Woods (6) Kay (10) Griffith Young 28 Longridge Town FAC PRr a 2-0 525 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Kay Regan 1 Woods (8) Oxley O'Farrell (6) Walker 31 Cammell Laird FAV 1QR a 3-2 103 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay Regan 1 Woods (10) 1 Oxley O'Farrell (5) Walker (3)S 7 Irlam FAC 1QR h 0-4 209 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner O'Farrell Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Woods Regan Davison (10) Oxley (5) Kay Griffith (4) 10 Irlam a 4-2 114 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley Regan Bennett (6) Darr (10) 1 Griffith 14 Prestwich Heys FAV 2QR a 3-2 117 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 3 Oxley Regan Bennett (11) Darr (10) Griffith (8) Turner 18 Runcorn Town a 3-1 146 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 2 Regan Bennett (6) Oxley (10) 1 Griffith (4) O'Farrell 21 Winsford United h 4-1 110 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley 1 Regan Bennett (4) Pilgrim (10) Griffith (3) O'Farrell TurnerO 5 Burscough a 2-1 101 Eastwood Bibby 1 Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Darr 1 Oxley Regan Bennett (4) Griffith (7) Turner O'Farrell (6) Pilgrim 12 Lower Breck FAV 1R h 2-5 185 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Regan Bennett (7) Griffith (3) O'Farrell Oxley (6) 15 Congleton Town h 1-3 131 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock 1 Young Bennett Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Woods Davison (11) Oxley (4) O'Farrell (6) Walker 19 Bacup Borough MC 1 a 1-1 71 Ascroft Bibby Griffith 1 Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Regan Bennett Oxley (4) Woods (11) Walker (3) 22 Skelmersdale United h 4-0 128 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Regan (11) 1 Oxley Woods (7) 1 Bennett (8)N 2 Whitchurch Alport h 4-0 131 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Darr Walker Woods (3) 1 Oxley (10) Regan Bennett (8) 1 5 Lancaster City LCT 2R h 1-5 161 Eastwood Green Walker Young O'Farrell Bennett Davison Woods Grimshaw Oxley 1 Regan Fairhurst Darr (7) Haydock (8) Bibby (9) 12 Bootle h 3-1 148 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young 1 O'Farrell Haydock 1 Davison 1 Woods Grimshaw Darr Walker Morris Oxley (9) Green (8) Turner 16 Congleton Town a 1-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Woods Darr 1 Oxley Walker Morris Regan (3) Green Turner 19 Padiham h 2-0 101 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Woods Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Morris (6) Oxley (10) Green Turner 23 Winsford United a 2-0 194 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young Green Haydock 1 Davison Woods Grimshaw Darr Walker 1 Morris (8) Oxley (10) Bennett Turner 30 Hanley Town h 4-0 102 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock 1 Davison Bennett 1 Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Fairhurst (6) Oxley (11) Green Turner (3)D 4 Litherland Remyca a 5-2 51 Ascroft Bibby Turner Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Bennett Grimshaw 1 Darr 3 Oxley 1 Regan (7) Lindley (8) Morris Fairhurst 7 Northwich Victoria h 2-2 132 Ascroft Bibby Turner Young O'Farrell 1 Haydock Davison Bennett Grimshaw Darr 1 Oxley Fairhurst (8) Green Griffith (7) McNally 14 Padiham a 1-1 108 Ascroft Griffith Turner Young O'Farrell Haydock Bibby Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Oxley Green Woods Bennett (6) McNally (11) Regan 21 Squires Gate a 1-2 81 Ascroft Griffith Turner Young O'Farrell Bennett Bibby Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Nickeas Woods (11) Oxley Haydock (6) Walker (3) Regan 26 Ashton Athletic h 3-2 133 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Woods 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Nickeas Turner Oxley Bennett Regan (11) Walker (7) 28 Whitchurch Alport a 3-0 248 Ascroft Bibby Walker Bennett O'Farrell Woods 1 Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr Nickeas 1 Turner (5) Oxley (8) MorrisJ 4 Irlam h 2-0 147 Ascroft Turner Walker Bennett Young Woods Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Nickeas Haydock (4) Oxley (7) Lindley (2) Davison 11 Rylands h 18 1874 Northwich a 25 Hanley Town aF 1 Burscough h 8 Northwich Victoria a 29 Runcorn Town hM 7 Skelmersdale United a 14 Litherland Remyca h 21 Barnoldswick Town aA 4 Longridge Town h 11 Bootle a 13 Ashton Athletic a 18 Squires Gate h 25 Avro a

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17A 3 Rylands a 2-3 131 Ascroft Griffith Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Schofield (2) Kay (10) Ainscough 6 Barnoldswick Town h 2-1 164 Ascroft Bibby Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Kay (10) Griffith Ainscough Schofield 10 Lower Breck FAC EPR h 2-1 185 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Woods O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay 1 Regan Bennett (4) Oxley (10) Morris Walker (6) 17 1874 Northwich h 0-5 216 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Bennett O'Farrell Haydock Davison Morris Grimshaw Kay Regan Ainscough (4) Oxley (10) Walker Schofield (8) 21 Longridge Town a 2-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Schofield Morris Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Kay Regan O'Farrell (5) Oxley (6) McNally 24 Longridge Town FAC PR h 1-1 234 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw1 Oxley Davison Morris Kay( ) McNally Young 26 Avro h 1-3 154 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Woods (6) Kay (10) Griffith Young 28 Longridge Town FAC PRr a 2-0 525 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Kay Regan 1 Woods (8) Oxley O'Farrell (6) Walker 31 Cammell Laird FAV 1QR a 3-2 103 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay Regan 1 Woods (10) 1 Oxley O'Farrell (5) Walker (3)S 7 Irlam FAC 1QR h 0-4 209 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner O'Farrell Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Woods Regan Davison (10) Oxley (5) Kay Griffith (4) 10 Irlam a 4-2 114 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley Regan Bennett (6) Darr (10) 1 Griffith 14 Prestwich Heys FAV 2QR a 3-2 117 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 3 Oxley Regan Bennett (11) Darr (10) Griffith (8) Turner 18 Runcorn Town a 3-1 146 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 2 Regan Bennett (6) Oxley (10) 1 Griffith (4) O'Farrell 21 Winsford United h 4-1 110 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley 1 Regan Bennett (4) Pilgrim (10) Griffith (3) O'Farrell TurnerO 5 Burscough a 2-1 101 Eastwood Bibby 1 Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Darr 1 Oxley Regan Bennett (4) Griffith (7) Turner O'Farrell (6) Pilgrim 12 Lower Breck FAV 1R h 2-5 185 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Regan Bennett (7) Griffith (3) O'Farrell Oxley (6) 15 Congleton Town h 1-3 131 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock 1 Young Bennett Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Woods Davison (11) Oxley (4) O'Farrell (6) Walker 19 Bacup Borough MC 1 a 1-1 71 Ascroft Bibby Griffith 1 Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Regan Bennett Oxley (4) Woods (11) Walker (3) 22 Skelmersdale United h 4-0 128 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Regan (11) 1 Oxley Woods (7) 1 Bennett (8)N 2 Whitchurch Alport h 4-0 131 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Darr Walker Woods (3) 1 Oxley (10) Regan Bennett (8) 1 5 Lancaster City LCT 2R h 1-5 161 Eastwood Green Walker Young O'Farrell Bennett Davison Woods Grimshaw Oxley 1 Regan Fairhurst Darr (7) Haydock (8) Bibby (9) 12 Bootle h 3-1 148 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young 1 O'Farrell Haydock 1 Davison 1 Woods Grimshaw Darr Walker Morris Oxley (9) Green (8) Turner 16 Congleton Town a 1-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Woods Darr 1 Oxley Walker Morris Regan (3) Green Turner 19 Padiham h 2-0 101 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Woods Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Morris (6) Oxley (10) Green Turner 23 Winsford United a 2-0 194 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young Green Haydock 1 Davison Woods Grimshaw Darr Walker 1 Morris (8) Oxley (10) Bennett Turner 30 Hanley Town h 4-0 102 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock 1 Davison Bennett 1 Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Fairhurst (6) Oxley (11) Green Turner (3)D 4 Litherland Remyca a 5-2 51 Ascroft Bibby Turner Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Bennett Grimshaw 1 Darr 3 Oxley 1 Regan (7) Lindley (8) Morris Fairhurst 7 Northwich Victoria h 2-2 132 Ascroft Bibby Turner Young O'Farrell 1 Haydock Davison Bennett Grimshaw Darr 1 Oxley Fairhurst (8) Green Griffith (7) McNally 14 Padiham a 1-1 108 Ascroft Griffith Turner Young O'Farrell Haydock Bibby Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Oxley Green Woods Bennett (6) McNally (11) Regan 21 Squires Gate a 1-2 81 Ascroft Griffith Turner Young O'Farrell Bennett Bibby Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Nickeas Woods (11) Oxley Haydock (6) Walker (3) Regan 26 Ashton Athletic h 3-2 133 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Woods 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 1 Nickeas Turner Oxley Bennett Regan (11) Walker (7) 28 Whitchurch Alport a 3-0 248 Ascroft Bibby Walker Bennett O'Farrell Woods 1 Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr Nickeas 1 Turner (5) Oxley (8) MorrisJ 4 Irlam h 2-0 147 Ascroft Turner Walker Bennett Young Woods Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Nickeas Haydock (4) Oxley (7) Lindley (2) Davison 11 Rylands h 18 1874 Northwich a 25 Hanley Town aF 1 Burscough h 8 Northwich Victoria a 29 Runcorn Town hM 7 Skelmersdale United a 14 Litherland Remyca h 21 Barnoldswick Town aA 4 Longridge Town h 11 Bootle a 13 Ashton Athletic a 18 Squires Gate h 25 Avro a

Goalscorers in BOLD | ( ) Indicates substitute was used


CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERSCHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERSTRUE BEARING

PeterAshcroft-TrueBearing-Ad-125x60mm-Oct19-081019-Paths.indd 1 08/10/2019 16:54

L ast weekend I saw the edited highlights of the FA Cup Third Round tie between Preston North End and Norwich City on

BBC’s Match of the Day. The first thing that struck me was the attendance, or lack of it. The ground appeared far less than half full. I discovered later on that the actual gate was a mere 7,616. At one time of day Deepdale would have been packed to the rafters for a Third Round FA Cup tie against a team from the top division.

The problem is that the competition has been systematically undermined by the FA’s decision in 2017 to allow weakened teams to be fielded in the competition. Who the hell wants to pay good money to watch your team compete against your opponent’s reserves or youth team?

Whilst the Premier League and Champions League have gone from strength to strength, basking in the glory of record-breaking TV deals and multi-million pound sponsorships, the FA Cup is no longer considered of any importance by the rich and money oriented club owners of Premier League clubs. In fact, FA Cup’s decline has been a constant reminder of the emphasis on ‘money-over-everything attitude’ that has engulfed the game – leaving the world’s oldest and once best loved football competition cup irreparably damaged.

I remember the two North End versus Chorley FA Cup Second Round ties in the 1986-87 season when a combined attendance or almost 32,000 witnessed the 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers Ewood Park on the 6th December and the replay at Deepdale three days later. To put it into prospective, it was a tie between a team from the Northern Premier League (Chorley) against a side from Division 4 of the Football League (Preston North End). There was over 15,000 in attendance at Ewood Park and over 16,000 for the replay at Deepdale. I attended both those games and it

seems like only yesterday. I would like to digress a little by saying that if memory serves me right Chorley had beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 in a second replay in the First Round that season. There was no thought of playing a weakened team in those days.

It was with much sadness then, that I saw a pitifully empty Deepdale Stadium last weekend for what should have been a major football event in Preston.

I noticed that Newcastle Blue Star has re-emerged after going out of existence in 2009. I remember them well from my time at Bamber Bridge. They were always a hard side to overcome. The club was established in 1930. They joined the Wearside League in 1973 and won the FA Vase in 1978. Having won promotion to the Northern Premier League they experienced off the field troubles resulting in eventual collapse. At present the resurrected club claim to be one of the fastest growing clubs at county league level in the country. Be as it may, it is good to see this famous old North East footballing name back on the map. The club is based in the west end of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and is currently playing in the Northern Alliance Premier Division. At present they lie in second place in the Alliance and are hoping to gain promotion back into the Northern League next term. We wish them well.

Last Monday evening the Football Association’s Leagues Committee published the Step-6 applicants for a place in Step-7 of the National League System for next term. Possible newcomers to the North West Counties League are Crewe from the Cheshire League, Egerton also from the Cheshire League, Stockport Georgians from the Manchester League and though not on the initial list of applicants, South Liverpool from the West Cheshire League. All these four clubs applied last season but were unsuccessful. Added to these will be the two applicants from outside of the National League System in the shape of newly constituted clubs FC Isle of Man and Bury Phoenix. The Bury


ISN'T THAT A PIP? DAVE ROWLAND

SECRETARY’S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

Welcome to Mossie Park for this afternoon’s DivisionOne game against Sandbach United who are visitingus for the very first time and a warm Charnock welcome to all who have travelled up from deepestCheshire to be with us today. We hope that you willenjoy your stay and have a safe and trouble-free journey home after the game. The East Cheshire sideare a friendly and welcoming club as we found outwhen visiting them on that ill-fated fog-bound afternoon at the end of November. It is hoped that wecan return their excellent hospitality today.

I first met United’s secretary, John Clayton, and a coupleof their committee, at the Imperial Hotel on the NorthPromenade in Blackpool when attending the North WestCounties League AGM back on the 11th June. Applicantclubs were asked to remain outside of the meeting untilbeing summoned by League Chairman Paul Lawler whenthe representatives from each of the six applicants werecalled upon to give an introductory speech to the assembled throng before being voted in by the memberclubs. As we waited nervously in an adjacent room, SteveMawdesley and I got into conversation with the Sandbachcontingent and quickly found them to be a very sociablegroup. We got on with them immediately and it was andenjoyable exchange. That day we made our first friends inthe North West Counties League and long may it continue.

Sandbach United are one of the six newcomers to theNorth West Counties League this season and spent theprevious campaign at Step 7 in the Cheshire Leaguewhere they finished in 4th spot in the Premier Division.Like most of the newly promoted clubs they have made agood impression in their first season in the competitionand we wish them well. Today is of course our last homegame of the season not withstanding any play-off gamethat we may be involved in. To say that it has been a special one would be an understatement. We have enjoyed some wonderful football, been to many differentvenues for the first time, met some really great people andmade many new friends. When we left our comfort zone inthe West Lancashire League, we did so because the clubhad grown and developed to a point where new challenges and new horizons had become a necessity.

A new direction was needed if the club was to grow. Remaining stagnant was not an option. We have hadproblems to contend with. Finding funding for essentialground development and finding an appropriate level forour reserve side was only a couple of examples. The immediate aim was to consolidate at Step 6 level in theNational League System and to be in a position to sustain this in the long term. The players of our threesenior teams have had a fine season and once again thishas been due to the management skills and dedication ofthe management teams of all three. On the administration side, we have been joined by David Smithand Brian Lowe who have very kindly agreed to give oftheir precious time and for this we are very grateful.

For me, this is my fifth season as secretary and I canhonestly say, hand on heart, that the 2016-17 campaignis one of the best that I have enjoyed in football. At timesit has been hard graft and there are many individualswho have put in a good deal of that this term, literally. It isthe combined efforts of you all that make this, such aspecial football club and such a wonderful place to be.Of course, we do not know just how things will pan out asafter today. Indeed, we have three very difficult awaygames to negotiate. Whether we are in the play-offs ornot is anybody’s guess but it is a sign of the success thatwe have enjoyed, when we are still talking about wherewe will finish amongst the top group at this stage of affairs. Whatever occurs, well done one and all.

Dave Rowland | Club Secretary

“WE HAVE ENJOYED SOME WONDERFUL FOOTBALL, BEEN TO MANYDIFFERENT VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME, MET SOME REALLY GREAT

PEOPLE AND MADE MANY NEW FRIENDS.”

07


Mobile - 07763 594 059 Email - [email protected]

Car / van valeting throughout the North WestPrices starting from £30

To make a booking or enquiry, contact Joe on:

@blakecarcare 'Great friendly service, fantastic results!'

application is subject to the continued existence or otherwise of former Football League side Bury. The initial list contained 84 applicants nationwide and it will be interesting to see just who will eventually make the grade. If there is to be no relegation from Step-6 at the end of this term due to restructuring then I would hazard a guess that approximately 22 or so promotion places will be available at Step-7. If the FA decided that there will be relegation from Step-6 then maybe 40 or more clubs could be elevated from the county leagues. The rules state that for a club at Step-7 to have any chance of gaining promotion they would have to finish

in a top five position if to qualify. There are also ground grading qualifications and financial issues to consider before a club is deemed acceptable for promotion. Even then a club is not guaranteed to gain promotion up to Step-6. For example, if more than one side from the same league applies, it is the highest placed club that gets the first shout. Everything depends on how the FA will deal with the restructuring process during the close season. They may relax some of their rules dependant on the circumstances. Who Knows? The summer should prove to be very interesting to say the least.Dave Rowland, Secretary.


Charnock Richard FC acknowledge that every young person or adult who plays or takes part in football should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner. The club also acknowledges that all the above mentioned should be protected from poor practice and free from abuse be it verbal, physical or racial. The club will not tolerate any form of foul or abusive language from spectators, guests, visitors or club officials of both teams on the sidelines, especially abuse which is directed at an individual player or match official. Admission to the ground and the right to remain is on condition that spectators adhere to the above. Throwing missiles of any description or encroachment on to the playing area, climbing on boundary fences or buildings will not be tolerated. Alcohol must not be brought into or consumed in the ground unless it has been purchased in plastic glasses from the Clubhouse. By order of Charnock Richard Football Club.

SMITHILLS OPEN FARM

Where children have the time of their lives!Working dairy farm open

to the public all year round.Farm Animals - Pets Corner - Milking Parlour -Toy Tractors - Donkey Rides - Animal Feeding

Birthday Parties from £13 p/childSmithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NR

01204 595 765www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk

Daily deliveries covering an areafrom Staffordshire toCumbria supplying qualitybread products to:Contract Caterers, Hotels,Pubs, Local Authorities, Clubs,Restaurants, Hospitals andSandwich Manufacturers.

Visit our website for more information

MORRIS QUALITY BAKERS

Baker Street, Coppull, Chorley, PR7 5UHTel: 01257 471101 Fax: 01257 471082

www.morrisqualitybakers.co.uk

J. L. HILL LAND DRAINAGE &

GROUNDWORK CONTRACTOR

Tel: 01257 277832Mob: 07860 271443

Welcome to Roughwood Consultancy. Based in Preston we cover the North West counties of Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Great Manchester and Cheshire. We also cover

businesses nationwide. At Roughwood Consultancy we know how seriously you take healthand safety in the workplace. Our aim is to look after your health and safety needs,

advising and supporting you, to reduce risks by raising awareness whilst you run your business on a day to day basis.

CENTURION HOUSE | LEYLAND BUSINESS PARK | LEYLAND | PR25 3GR | 01772 437162

AFCBlackpool_26-12-16_Layout 1 20/12/2016 01:47 Page 14

Proud to support Charnock Richard Football Club 2018/19

We carry out all aspects of servicing and repairs and are a

fully VOSA approved MOT Test centre. Our garage covers a

wide range of automotive vehicles from the smallest car

throughtofour-wheeldriveandcommercialvehicles.

http://www.mountautorepairs.co.uk

Proud to support Charnock RichardFootball Club 2019/20

We carry out all aspects of servicing and repairs and are a

fully VOSA approved MOT Test centre. Our garage covers

a wide range of automotive vehicle from the smallest car

though to four-wheel drive and commercial vehicles.


HESKETH BANK 2 CHARNOCK RICHARD 5WEST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION24TH JANUARY 2015

Team: Gavin Bates, Spencer Bibby (Josh Norgate 54), Damian Dashti, Ross O’Farrell, Craig Banks, David Fisher (David Prout 82), Jamie Sanderson, Andy Roberts, Carl Grimshaw, David Burrows, Alex Randell (Mark Woods 71). Subs: (Not Used) Danny Nolan, Ian Dickinson.

Charnock had to battle hard for this win and the final score flattered them somewhat. Hesketh Bank took the lead and Charnock struggled to make any impact but two goals before the break set them up for the second half. However, they could easily have conceded in the opening stages of the half but three goals in the last half hour saw them on the way to what was eventually an easy win. A penalty in added time reduced the arrears.

Josh Norgate and Alex Randell both back from playing in Australia had received international clearance and were in the squad. Initially the starting eleven was the same as that which beat Garstang three weeks previously but Nolan was injured in the warm up and Randell started in his place.

It was a sunny afternoon but the pitch was in typical winter condition, heavy with the grass on the long side. The game started with Charnock playing downhill towards the Station Road end.

Having not played for almost three weeks Charnock might have been rusty but they started really well with Burrows being particularly prominent. In the second minute he got to the bye line on the left and Roberts turned his cross against the post. David shot wide from the edge of the area before then bringing a save out of keeper McDade. The home side carried a threat when they attacked and when Connolly got away down the right Banks had to turn his centre out for a corner. When after nine minutes

Grimshaw set up Dashti on the left the keeper beat away his shot at the near post. It was end to end at this stage of the game and another deep cross from Connolly provided a good heading opportunity but the contact was poor and the ball went for a goal kick. Hesketh took the lead on 14 minutes raiding down the left and Hogg converting the cross. Hesketh upped their game and Charnock really struggled. The pitch made it difficult for Charnock’s close passing style of play and they gave the ball away too frequently. A free kick on the left after 23 minutes saw the Villagers spring back into life with two shots blocked and then Burrows shooting wide. When Zama got free on 27 minutes only a great tackle from Banks stopped him from shooting. Charnock equalised on 33 minutes Randell got away down the right, his cross was deep and Grimshaw head back across goal and ROBERTS found the net. Burrows went clear after 41 minutes but the pitch hampered his progress and finally Grimshaw side footed the ball wide.

Charnock took the lead on 42 minutes Grimshaw cut across the area and fed Dashti on the right his shot rebounded in the air and ROBERTS converted from close range.

Charnock were all at sixes and sevens at the start of the second half and really Hesketh should have converted at least two of the chances they were given. One effort from a left wing corner appeared to be handed off the line by a defender. However, Charnock survived and Norgate made his debut replacing Bibby. He immediately put in a vital tackle and then headed over the bar from a right wing corner. Another right wing corner after 62 minutes resulted in a scramble in the box and FISHER back heeled the ball home. Charnock were now in control. On 82 minutes Fisher and Roberts had shots blocked before GRIMSHAW stabbed the ball into the net from close range. PROUT came on to hit a glorious shot from the right to make the score 5-1 before in added time Norgate conceded a penalty that saw Bates almost save Zama’s shot from the spot.

GAMES FROM THE PAST 5 YEARS AGO

CHARNOCK RICHARD 2 BURNLEY UNITED 2WEST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISIONSATURDAY 17TH JANUARY 2008

Team: Kevin Baldwin, Lee Pennington, James Price, Kenny Mayers, Keith Best (Alex Randall 70), John Sanderson (Scott Priestley 70), Damian Dashti (Lee Clitheroe 80), Andy Roberts, Liam Hayton, Jamie Dalton, Jimmy King. SUBS: (Not Used) Phil Jackson, Craig Banks.

There was disappointment for Charnock Richard when, after dominating this game, they only finished with a point against bottom of the table Burnley United. For most of the first half they lay siege to the visitors’ goal but, as half time approached, only led by one goal. In the 39th minute Burnley won their first corner from which they equalised. A goal on the stroke of half time restored the Villagers’ lead but despite having numerous chances in the second half Charnock failed to kill off the game. A breakaway goal by Burnley meant that they departed with only their second point of the season.

After a four week break without a game due largely to frozen pitches Charnock were looking to continue their charge to the league championship with a win over lowly Burnley United who arrived having won only one solitary point this season.

With a full squad to select from Andy Westwell left out Andy Battersby who is leaving shortly for a trip to Australia. Charnock were kicking towards the Mawdesley Plantation End in the first half and immediately took the play to Burnley. Some man to man passing football soon had the visitors on the back foot with Jamie Dalton putting in some surging runs down the right. It was a case of Burnley defending stoutly and with their keeper Cheetham confidently catching some early crosses Charnock failed to capitalise on their early possession. It all changed on nine minutes however, King put in a cross from the left and when it came to the back post ROBERTS controlled the ball and drove a

powerful shot into the net. Charnock continued to dominate and little was seen of the visitors’ attack. Hayton had a header just over the bar. It was all neat football from Charnock, weaving some pretty patterns on the pitch, but it lacked a cutting edge and Burnley although outplayed continued to hang in there. After 38 minutes Burnley finally mounted an attack which resulted in a corner from which they equalised when the home defence failed to deal with the kick. After all Charnock’s possession up to this point it was amazing that the score was 1-1. Charnock resumed their domination and on the stroke of half time ROBERTS scored his second goal after having his first shot saved, pouncing on the ball after Hayton’s shot had also been blocked by the keeper.

Although the strengthening wind was blowing more across the pitch it gave Charnock some advantage in the second half. The pattern of play was similar to the first half with Charnock having most of the play but again their pretty football failed to produce many clear cut chances. Hayton had a couple of headers, Dalton worked his way into a couple of good positions without finding the net. Burnley with their contrasting style of hitting the ball forward were more of a threat but it looked as if it was just a case of Charnock adding to their winning margin. Football, however, does not work out like that and when Burnley broke down their right after 59 minutes Charnock were caught out and a good cross saw Baldwin given no chance as Burnley equalised for the second time. There was still plenty of time for Charnock to win the game but Burnley hung on to what they had got and almost scored again a couple of times as Charnock increasingly left themselves short at the back as they pushed forward for a winner. Kenny Mayers hit a great volley into the net but it was correctly disallowed for offside. Dalton cut into the area in the final minute but the keeper again blocked his shot. It was all very reminiscent of last season when Charnock lost several games despite dominating them. Despite five substitutions and several stoppages referee Ms Walker decided that 50 seconds was sufficient added time.


GAMES FROM THE PAST 12 YEARS AGO

OUR GROUP OF COMPANIES

At Lifting Projects UK, we have the expertise to plan and complete your most challenging lifting projects. We’re known for our meticulous attention to detail, highly skilled labour and ultra-professional project management.

Steelwise is our very own design and fabrication centre, so we can supply truly unique lifting solutions. If the equipment doesn’t exist, we’ll make it for you to all relevant international standards and painted in your company livery.

We offer a full range of training and familiarisation programmes with flexible delivery. You can attend courses at our Training Centre near Hinkley Point, in Bridgwater or at, or near, any Lifting Gear UK Centre. Bespoke courses to meet your specific needs can be held at your premises.

Whether you’re hiring or buying equipment, or require us to do the lifting for you, you can be assured of our 110% commitment to your satisfaction. Perhaps you’re looking for repairs, servicing, load testing, training or even a bespoke piece of equipment to be made? Whatever you require, we will meet all your needs seamlessly and with complete professionalism.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR EXPERT TEAM TODAY CALL: 0330 332 2650EMAIL: [email protected] VISIT: www.lg-uk.com

…improvingtheliftingworld

F ollowing the dramatic Boxing Day success against Ashton Athletic at Mossie Park, Charnock Richard

enjoyed yet another Christmas triumph with this impressive 3-0 victory in Shropshire over Whitchurch Alport, thus completing the league double over the ‘Redmen’ following a 4-0 victory over Alport back on the 2nd November at Mossie Park.

Following a closely contested first half in which Charnock edged matters, the visitors went in at the break unlucky not to be a couple of goals in front after a questionably disallowed goal early in the game and a hotly contested penalty appeal, which was turned down, just prior to the break. The second-half was a completely different matter entirely with the Lancashire side running in three fine goals without reply after dominating affairs for long periods.

Manager Ryan Donnellan was forced into making a couple of changes to his starting line-up from the Boxing Day game against Ashton Athletic two days previously. Jack Bennett was drafted into the number 4 shirt; replacing the suspended Ashley Young in midfield and Daniel Regan came in for the unavailable Lewis Haydock. Young Full-Back, Aaron Griffith was led from the pitch during the warm up after going over on his ankle and was replaced at number 3 by James Walker. Other than that the only absentee was the injured Matthew Davision.

Charnock started brightly enough and created a half chance on 3 minutes, as Nathan Nickeas

and Jordan Darr linked up on the left, with the latter coming in-field and shooting well wide. The homesters won a corner as they responded but the flag kick was easily dealt with by the Villagers defence. Charnock began to look the more dangerous and David Parton in the Alport goal made a superb diving save at full stretch on 15 minutes from a well struck Spencer Bibby free-kick from about 25 yards out on the left.

Charnock’s enterprise looked to have paid off two minutes later when Jordan Darr bundled the ball home from close range with the home defence in disarray. Initially the goal was given but after intense protests from the home defenders the referee went over to consult the assistant. Despite the fact that no flag had been raised it was much to everyone’s surprise, when the ‘goal’ was eventually disallowed.

The play became somewhat ragged for a time, possibly due to the Shropshire side not having played for a couple of weeks and with Charnock possibly feeling the effects of the hard-fought Boxing Day affair two days earlier. For whatever reason, the game became a little scrappy for a while.

Whitchurch came close on 21 minutes Stephen Jones, dragging a shot wide and again on 28 minutes when following a throw-in, Lewis Jarman shot over. However, Charnock were looking the more likely to break the deadlock which they almost did just past the half-hour mark when Jordan Darr sent in a rasping snap-shot which Parton blocked superbly at the cost of a corner kick. The following corner wasn’t the best but Carl Grimshaw managed to turn the ball into the path of the in-rushing Daniel Regan whose shot took a deflection off a defender and was well saved by the


SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2019 WHITCHURCH ALPORT 0 CHARNOCK RICHARD 3

TEAMS: Whitchurch Alport: Parton, Porter (Phillips 60), Chilcott, Campion (Robinson 71), Minshall, Ashman, Griffiths, Jarman, Howarth, Jones (Cuff 60), Hughes. Unused subs: El-more, Goddard.Charnock Richard: Ascroft, Bibby, Walker, Bennett, O’Farrell (Turner 37), Woods, Regan, Fairhurst (Oxley 69), Grimshaw, Darr, Nickeas. Unused sub; Morris.

alert Parton. Ross O’Farrell was replaced by Oliver Turner on 37 minutes after picking up a knock.

As the first half began to run its course the visitors began to dominate and give some hint of what was to come in the second period. A Regan drive was parried by Parton on 38 minutes and the rebound follow-up by Grimshaw was blocked as the Greens pushed forward in numbers. A Nathan Fairhurst header from a corner went narrowly wide of the goalpost before Nathan Nickeas was denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time after being pushed in the back as he moved in to head home from six yards out.

Charnock came out fighting after the interval and deservedly took the lead on 49 minutes when Mark Woods rifled home into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box following some enterprising play by the visitors. It was the breakthrough that Charnock had so eagerly sought and it was to be the prelude to a further onslaught on the beleaguered home defence. Parton saved from Grimshaw on 54 minutes as the Charnock striker got through on goal. A minute later Carl Grimshaw was on hand to head home a perfect cross from Danny Regan from the right to score his 24th goal of the season and his 452nd overall. The home side wilted as Charnock took complete control of affairs playing some delightful football despite the heavy and saturated Yokings Park Pitch. The game was completely sewn up on 70 minutes with a well-deserved third goal. Darr’s menacing run down the left unhinged the home defence and his cross found Grimshaw whose shot deflected into the path of Nathan Nickeas who wrong footed the advancing Parton to slot the ball home for his first goal for the club.

Dave Rowland


CAR PARKTo prevent inconvenience to local residents on Charter Lane it

would be appreciated if all players, officials, visitors and supporters would PLEASE USE THE CLUB CAR PARK


FROM THE RESERVES IAN MOUNTAIN

T he reserves management would like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone at Charnock Richard,

thanks for all your support in 2019, we hope that 2020 proves to be a good year for everyone.

We extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and fans of Rylands today, we hope that you enjoy the day and have a safe journey home later.

Good luck today to our 1st team, management and players. We hope you can continue the good results with 3 points today.

We have a new member of the reserve management team, who some of you will know already. Steve Hart was due to start the season with us but due to work commitments had to step down. He brings a lot of experience, football and local knowledge to the team, we are glad to have him with us again.

As you may have seen in the last programme, in the Chairman and Secretary notes, this season has raised some issues with how we can work as a reserve team given our current league’s structure.

I know that there is a lot of hard work behind the scenes taking place to see if the Manchester League would be a more suitable option. As we had the first game of 2020 postponed, we arranged a friendly with Walshaw Sports from their Premier Division.

We thought this would be a good way of seeing what the quality of Manchester League sides is, though more importantly it allowed our lads to run off a bit of the Christmas pudding after having no games or training in the festive period.

Walshaw also hadn’t played for a while and on a hard surface it showed as both sides were a bit leggy from the start. The game was close, we lost 2-1 after missing several clear chances, but everyone got at least 45 mins workout and we got to try some new things.

We are back in competitive action today travelling to Galgate, who will be looking to avenge a defeat here in August. Hopefully we can complete a double over them before some tough upcoming home fixtures.

Ian MountainManager

West Lancashire League Division 2 2019-20 Aug S 3 Storeys a 2-0 Charnley, McNallyT 13 Burscough Dynamo h 3-2 Meite, Morris, TurnerS 17 Furness Cavaliers a 3-0 Meite, Pilgrim, C RigbyW 21 Rossendale a 0-3 S 24 Walney Island a 1-5 TickleS 31 Galgate h 7-1 McNally 2, Banks, Blackhurst, Hendy, McLoghlin, MorrisSep S 7 Chipping a 2-3 McNally 2S 14 Dalton United h 2-2 Hendy, McNallyW 18 Burnley United a 4-1 Hendy, Lindley, Tickle, TurnerS 21 Freckleton a 1-3 HendyS 28 Mill Hill St Peters a 3-0 Hendy 2, ColeyOct S 19 Furness Rovers LC1 a 3-3 Nolan 2, HendyNov S 2 Dalton United a 4-4 Hendy 4S 9 Garstang Reserve h 3-1 Hendy, Lindley, MeiteS 16 Kendal United h 3-1 Hendy, McNally, NolanW 20 Garstang Reserve a 4-0 Coley, Morris, Nolan, C RigbyS 23 Storeys h 1-2 HendyDec S 7 Burscough Dynamo a 5-1 Meite 2, Coley, Hendy, TickleJan S 11 Galgate a 2.00pmS 18 Furness Cavaliers h 2.00pmS 25 Rossendale h 2.00pmFeb S1 Kendal United a 2.00pmS 15 Mill Hill St Peters h 3.00pmS 22 Longridge Town Res h 3.00pmMar S 21 Freckleton h 3.00pmtba Furness Rovers a tba Burnley Unired h tba Walney Island h tba Longridge Town Res a tba Chipping h

I n the last programme I commenced selecting the best Charnock team from the players who played for the club in

the last decade. I picked my goalkeeper, defenders and midfielders in a 4-4-2 formation so to refresh memories my team so far is 1. Gavin Bates, 2. Spencer Bibby, 3. Josh Norgate, 4. Ashley Young, 5. Liam Hayton, 6. Nathan Fairhurst, 7. Mark Woods, 8. Andy Roberts, 11. Jimmy King.

The first choice for striker is obviously Carl Grimshaw who has, to date, had a tremendous career at Charnock scoring over 450 goals from over 400 appearances. Carl signed for Charnock in 2009 having previously been with West Lancashire League side Eagley. His dedication to Charnock has been similar to Andy Roberts in that he has turned down a considerable number of offers to play elsewhere and his loyalty is very much appreciated by everyone at the club.

My second striker is another Bolton based player, David Burrows, who arrived from another West Lancashire League side Turton for the start of the 2011 season. He struggled with a groin injury for the first couple of seasons but he then settled down to become a consistent goalscorer. In the club’s final season, 2015/6, in the West Lancashire League he hit 35 goals in 34 appearances. It was a real blow for Charnock when domestic problems saw his premature retirement in the following season after only six appearances in the North West Counties League. He made 179 appearances scoring 110 goals.

I now have to select my five substitutes bearing in mind the balance required when either the team requires fresh impetus or an injured player needs to be replaced.

My first choice is Damian Dashti, another extremely loyal servant to the club, having joined the Junior Section when he was 15, over 20 years ago. Damian has the ability to play in either full back position, as a sweeper or right or left of midfield. He is a tremendously versatile player. He has made

556 appearances scoring 26 goals.

Ross O’Farrell would be my selection for the number 14 shirt having had a remarkable career at Charnock having joined the club in 2007/8 season and worked his way up from the A Team. He is a reliable, strong, no nonsense central defender. He has 206 first team appearances to his name.

Mike Fletcher would be my third pick, only narrowly missing out on being in the starting eleven. Mike started his career at Charnock back in 2000 before playing at higher levels. He returned to Mossie Park in 2010. Although Mike basically is a midfielder he could fill in at centre-back if required. He is another player with over a century of appearances, 176 to be precise.

Alongside Mike on the bench would be John Sanderson one of Charnock’s most talented players ever and yet another wonderful servant to the club. He could be used in midfield or up front. He made his debut back in 2001 and has scored some really important goals for the Villagers. A major knee injury seriously reduced his availability in the latter stages of his career but he still made 454 appearances and scored 144 goals.

My last substitute wearing the number 17 shirt would be Danny Nolan who was a favourite at Chorley before concentrating on his coaching at Blackburn Rovers. He joined Charnock in 2013 and made a storming start to his career at Mossie Park but a major injury received at Euxton Villa in January 2014 finished his season and since then he has spent a considerable amount of time coaching in the USA. He has taken the position of First Team coach recently. He has made only 56 first team appearances scoring 15 goals.

I stated in my first article that selection would be by talent only but looking over my final 16 players I must say maybe my heart has been a little more involved than my head. A check on the total number of appearances by the players in my squad is an amazing 3,947!

Keith Reader


THE LAST WORD KEITH READER

THE LAST WORD KEITH READER

Due to printing and editor deadlines I have to writethis final column of the season with four leaguegames outstanding so it is impossible to comment onCharnock’s final position in the table and, most importantly, where they will be playing their footballnext season. Will it be in the Premier Division by automatic promotion or through the play-offs ormaybe we will have to be satisfied with having a second season in Division One but whatever happensit has been a very successful and exciting first seasonin the North West Counties League.

This season saw Charnock make their debut in the FAVase and it has been very satisfactory but with a little bit ofluck it could have been even more successful. In the preliminary rounds we won at Whickham in the North Eastthen visited Yorkshire to beat Harrogate Railway Athletic.The First Round Proper saw a home tie against old opponents Barnoldswick Town which we won after extratime. The home defeat at Mossie Park at the hands ofStaveley Miners Welfare was largely due to having to fieldan understrength team; suspensions for Spencer Bibby,Josh Norgate and Mike Fletcher all made them ineligible,Ashley Young missed through a knee problem and thenlosing Danny Smith to injury before half time and a missedpenalty all contributed to the defeat. If we had won wewould have had a trip up to play South Shields of theNorthern League who are now through to the Wembleyfinal. At the time they were averaging gates of over 1200.Win or lose it would have been a bumper pay day for theclub with a share of the gate receipts and more FA money for reaching that stage of the competition. As it was Staveley made the journey, pocketed the money andlost 3-0.

Charnock were drawn away to Bamber Bridge in the firstround of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, it was ourdebut in the competition and against all the odds cameaway with a 2-0 win. Drawn away at Ashton Athletic in thenext round we had plenty of chances to win the game inthe first half but in the end lost 1-0. Ashton went on to win2-1 against Radcliffe Borough in the final at the MacronStadium after knocking out Chorley in the semi-final. A littlemore accuracy with our shooting at Ashton and who knowswhat could have happened? In our league cup debuts wemade early exits in both competitions. In the Macron Cupwe were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Handley Town, the winningpenalty being awarded for the ball hitting Josh Norgate’sshoulder. We successfully negotiated our way through theReusch First Division Cup to the quarter-finals where welost 4-1 at home to Widnes.

Football squads inevitably evolve over the years and anumber of new signings were made for this season.Some players have fitted in well and have made regularappearances others disappeared; several did not evenmake one appearance. Over previous seasons CarlGrimshaw and David Burrows formed a successful goalscoring partnership for the club. Last season they totalled77 goals between them and there was the expectancythat they would score a similar number this season. Unfortunately domestic problems resulted in Dave making himself unavailable and he has been sorely missed.

In the 2015-16 season Damian Dashti passed the landmark of 500 appearances for the first team and hehas continued to feature in most match squads this season. He is now approaching 550 appearances whichis another remarkable record of dedication to CharnockRichard FC. There have been other impressive performances by players this season but for me oneplayer has stood out above anyone else - Ross O’Farrellhas had an outstanding season to date. Ross is anotherplayer that has been at Charnock for almost all his career first appearing in the ‘A’ team back in season2007-08 from where he has worked his way up to become a regular in the first team squad. He is mychoice as “Player of the Year”.

Finally I must mention the support that the club have enjoyed both home and away. To date home attendanceshave only dropped below 100 once and the average sofar is 140. Everyone at the club has put in a remarkableamount of time and effort and come May we will be looking forward to our second season in the North WestCounties League. I hope to be writing this column againnext season, many thanks for reading it.

Keith Reader

30


To book an award winning mental fitness session at your club, email [email protected]

www.stateofmindsport.org

STATE OF MIND SPORT IS PROUD TO BE THE official CHARITY PARTNER OF THE NORTH WEST COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

State of Mind Sport is a charity that harnesses the power of sport to promote positive mental fitness, to improve performance among our

sportsmen and women, fans and wider communities, AND to ultimately prevent suıcide.

State of Mind Sport raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental fitness and deliver education on the subject to all levels

of sport, business, education and community groups.

SQUAD LISTS

PROGRAMME DESIGN & PRINT BY MATCHDAYCREATIVE.CO.UK CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGH PEAK

Rylands

Manager David McNabb

ADAM JONESANDREW SCARISBRICKANTHONY PLANTCALLUM LEESCALLUM SPENCERCHRIS COTTINGTONDOMINIC MURPHYFREDDIE POTTERGARY KENNYGRAEME MCCALLHARRY MOLYNEUXJAMIE WHITEJORDAN WYNNEJOSEPH DENMANKANE DRUMMONDLEWIS BUCKLEYLIAM O'NEILLLOUIS COYNEMATTHEW WARDMICHAEL EMERYSAM O'HALLERONSTEPHEN WOLHUTERTHOMAS FREEMANTHOMAS MCNAMARATHOMAS PARRYWARREN GERRARD

Charnock Richard

Manager Ryan Donnellan

BEN ASCROFTJAMES WALKER

SPENCER BIBBYROSS O'FARRELLASHLEY YOUNGOLIVER TURNERJACK BENNETT

MATTHEW DAVISONOLIVER OXLEY

LEWIS HAYDOCK MARK WOODS

AARON GRIFFITHDANIEL REGAN

NATHAN FAIRHURSTCARL GRIMSHAW

JORDAN DARR OWEN MORRIS

OWEN GREEN NATHAN NICKEAS

MATCH OFFICIALSReferee Matthew Young

Assistants Daniel Moroney& Richard Goodwin

Documents

Charnock Richard Football Club 19 · the welcome to our visitors, who are visiting Charnock for their first time, and hope they enjoy their stay and have a safe return home after